Fly into the bustling metropolis of Bangkok, a city that fuses cutting edge modernity with old Thai charm. Set on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the capital of Thailand has a bit of everything: from golden wats (temples) to soaring skyscrapers, the old and the new can be found everywhere, with delectable street stalls hawking aromatic delicacies in between.

Board a traditional longtail boat to explore the city’s crisscrossing khlongs (canals), passing temples and communities along the water’s edge. Stop to visit the Baan Silapin Artists’ House, located in a centuries-old traditional teak family home, to see the photography and artwork within.

Continue to Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn, one of the best-known temples in Thailand, and bid farewell to your longtail. Stroll the pavilions, ascend one of the iconic prangs (towers), and learn about the influence of Buddhism on everyday life. Board a local ferry for the short crossing to the far bank and a local restaurant, where you can enjoy a Thai cocktail and soak up the sunset with a view across the River of Kings.

Join the local community in the ancient tradition of offering morning alms to the saffron-robed monks, just before sunrise. This sacred ritual, known as tak bat, carries deep significance, allowing Thais to accrue merit by presenting food offerings of cooked rice, fruits, and other provisions. Enjoy observing as this timeless tradition unfolds before you.

After, delve deeper into the rituals and daily life of a monk, starting with a visit to a local neighborhood temple. Here, you can make your own offering, light a candle or fragrant incense. Receive the blessing of a monk and explore the art of prayer within a Buddhist pagoda. Then, partake in a monk bowl-making activity within a community that crafts these symbolic vessels for a living.

Stop for breakfast at a local restaurant. Then, step out with your knowledgeable guide to explore the main temples and monuments of Bangkok, discover a few hidden gems and gain an insightful introduction to Thai culture and its fascinating history. First, visit Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha) and Bangkok’s oldest temple, housing the country’s largest reclining Buddha at 151 ft long and 50 ft tall. Proceed to Lak Muang, the City Pillar Shrine, which represents the founding of Bangkok over 220 years ago. Next, step into the Grand Palace, the official residence of the royal families from 1782 until 1925 before admiring the early 18th century Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Pra Kaew), the most revered shrine in the Kingdom.

Afterward, have lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to relax or explore on your own.

Discover the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market this morning. Traveling first by car, and then by longtail boat, cruise the maze of canals and observe vendors selling fresh fruit, vegetables, souvenirs and more. Continue on foot to nearby Lao Tuk Lak market, a smaller, more traditional community market. Stop for a traditional Thai iced coffee before heading to the fascinating Maeklong Train Market, where you can walk along the tracks and listen for the arrival of the train. Watch as the stall holders rush to remove their goods from the track, only to replace them as soon as the train passes by.

Return to Bangkok in the early afternoon, stopping en route at a family-operated coconut palm sugar factory. Watch the production process unfold and taste some of the tantalizing snacks made from palm sugar. After a quick stop to collect your luggage, head to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai, where you will be met for private transfer to your hotel.

Visit Chiang Mai Gate Market, a traditional fresh-foods market, early this morning. Sample some typical Thai snacks with the assistance of your guide. You will also see the monks making their alms rounds. Return to your hotel for a relaxed breakfast before taking a “songtaew” to the riverfront (& much larger) Worarot Market. From the market, head to Thapae Gate, one of the four original city gates, and continue to Wat Chiang Man, Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Suan Dok where you can meet an English-speaking monk. Return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure.

This evening, set off on an exciting food adventure, traveling to a number of bustling neighborhood markets by Songthaew with your local expert foodie to indulge in a feast of Northern Thai street foods. Learn how to order food and uncover the ingredients behind recipes, some passed through generations.

Hop on a samlor, a Thai tri-wheeled pedicab, and set out to discover Chiang Mai’s handicrafts. Enjoy a ride around Kamphaeng Din Road, which follows the path of the former outer wall of the city. Arriving to Pradtoo Korm Market, stroll through the stalls before continuing on to Wat Nantaram, a temple that used to be at the center of the lacquerware industry. Pedal through the temple on your way to one of the city’s oldest factories, where they still produce lacquerware using traditional methods first introduced 200 years ago by migrants from the Shan State in what is now Myanmar.

Cross the moat to enter the Old City through the Suan Prung Gate, heading toward the Chiang Mai Gate Market. Sample local delicacies before pedaling to your last stop, the fascinating Wat Sai Moon Myanmar. This is the main temple for the Burmese (Myanmar) community in Chiang Mai. The architecture and atmosphere are different from Thai temples, and few outsiders visit Wat Sai Moon Myanmar. Here, you will meet one of the Burmese monks for a chat before heading for the Thapae Gate to eat lunch.

In the afternoon, drive to Doi Suthep Mountain to observe local pilgrims climbing the 308 steps up the mythical Naga serpent staircase to the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Join them in the climb, and at the top, enjoy sweeping views of the city below. Listen to the chanting of the monks, drink in the atmosphere and immerse yourself in the spirituality of this revered temple complex. Mingle with the pilgrims from across Thailand and discover pagodas and statues devoted to Buddhism with Hindu influences. Learn about Buddhism and its impact on the culture and daily life of Thai people as you tour one of northern Thailand’s most sacred temples.